KATHUA, Oct 2: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Kusht Mukti Abhiyaan Ceremonies were organised across District Kathua at the district, block and peripheral health institution levels to spread awareness about leprosy, reduce stigma and promote early detection and treatment.
A special programme was organised at CMO Office Kathua, in which officers and officials of the CMO Office and staff of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital participated.
During the programme, Surinder Singh, Leprosy Surveillance Officer (LSO), Kathua, highlighted the significance of organising the Kusht Mukti Abhiyaan Ceremony on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s compassion and commitment towards persons affected by leprosy and his efforts to eliminate the social stigma and discrimination associated with the disease. He emphasised that Gandhi Ji advocated treating persons affected by leprosy with dignity, compassion and respect, even at a time when effective treatment was not readily available.
Surinder Singh also briefed the participants about the district strategy for achieving a leprosy-free Kathua, the present status of leprosy in the district, and the importance of recognising the early signs and symptoms of leprosy. He stressed that early identification and timely treatment are essential for preventing disability and interrupting transmission.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Medical Officer Kathua, Dr. Vijay Raina, emphasised the importance of awareness, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of leprosy cases. He called upon all health functionaries, particularly ASHAs, to actively disseminate IEC material and create awareness among the general public so that hidden and undiagnosed cases can be identified and brought under treatment at the earliest.
The CMO further stressed the need for active community participation and coordinated efforts by all health workers to eliminate the stigma associated with leprosy and ensure that persons affected by the disease receive timely treatment and social support.
The LSO informed the CMO that an intensive IEC campaign will be conducted across the district for one week, including dissemination of posters, pamphlets and audio awareness messages on leprosy. The Block Medical Officers have also been requested to ensure regular awareness activities at block and peripheral levels and to share photographs of the activities on a daily basis for onward submission to the Central Leprosy Division (CLD) and for wider dissemination.
The district health authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening leprosy surveillance, early case detection, timely treatment, disability prevention and reduction of stigma, with the active involvement of health workers and the community.